The 2002 Nissan Maxima has 4 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side frontal airbag inflator that can rupture during deployment, sending metal fragments into the cabin and causing serious injury or death.
The airbag inflator issue stems from excessive internal pressure buildup during deployment, and prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the problem, which is why two separate recall campaigns exist for the same defect. Any occupant in the front passenger seat faces this risk in a crash that triggers airbag deployment.
On the throttle side, vehicles with an electronic throttle control system can experience an unintended engine cutdown if the driver pushes the accelerator pedal hard while pressing it sideways at the same time. When this happens, the pedal travels beyond its normal range, the engine warning light comes on, and engine power drops sharply. A sudden, unexpected loss of power at highway speeds or during a merge can create a crash risk. There is also a compliance issue affecting models equipped with a traction control system: the odometer measures and displays distance in kilometers rather than miles, and lacks the required label identifying the unit of measurement, meaning mileage readings on these vehicles are significantly understated.
At a glance
What can fail
The front passenger air bag inflators may explode due to propellant breakdown after exposure to humidity, heat, and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bags with new desiccated inflators at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
We may earn a commission for purchases made through these links.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger-side front air bag inflator may build up excessive internal pressure and rupture when the air bag deploys.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger air bag inflator at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The accelerator pedal stopper may not prevent excessive pedal movement. Pushing the pedal hard and to the right can cause it to move beyond its intended limit.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a new accelerator pedal stopper to prevent excessive pedal travel.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The odometer displays distance in kilometers instead of miles and lacks a required kilometer label, making it unclear what unit of measurement is shown.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the odometer and replace the speedometer/odometer assembly if it is incorrect.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
